…Calls for Structured Collaboration to Boost Artisanal Mining and Non-Oil Export Revenue
Makurdi, Benue State – March 3, 2026: The Association of Solid Minerals Miners and Marketers of Nigeria (ASMMMON) has called for an urgent and strategic restructuring of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector through the development of sustainable mining clusters. The call was made during a goodwill message presented at the “Sustainable Clusters Promotion for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) for Export Competitiveness” workshop, organized by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Benue State.
Delivering the address on behalf of the National President of ASMMMON, Dr. Vincent Mkpu, the Benue State Chairman of the Association, Amb. (Dr.) James Ugah, emphasized the critical role of the ASM sector in Nigeria’s economic landscape. He noted that while the sector remains one of the most under-structured, it holds undeniable potential as a viable contributor to the non-oil export market. “ASM provides direct and indirect employment to thousands of citizens, serves as a livelihood anchor in rural communities, and contributes significantly to the local economy,” the message read. Despite the abundance of mineral deposits in Benue State—including limestone, gold, lead, zinc, barite, marble, granite, clay, and salt—the sector remains largely informal, fragmented, and under-optimized for export competitiveness.
Speaking to the theme of the workshop, Dr. Mkpu’s address highlighted the growing demands of the global mineral market, which now prioritizes traceability, quality assurance, environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, and organized supply chains. “Individual artisanal miners operating in isolation struggle to meet these standards,” the statement noted. “However, when organized into structured clusters, transformation becomes inevitable.” The Association described a Sustainable Mining Cluster as a coordinated ecosystem that brings together miners, processors, marketers, equipment providers, exporters, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies within a professionally managed framework. Such clusters, it was argued, reduce risk, improve quality, increase productivity, attract investors, and ultimately create export competitiveness.
The National President further stressed that sustainability must be viewed as both a competitive and comparative advantage. In an era where international buyers demand environmentally responsible sourcing, safer labor practices, and legal compliance, the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into cluster development is no longer optional. “By embedding ESG principles into our clusters, Benue State miners will not only protect their commodities but also command better pricing and forge stronger global partnerships,” the address stated.
ASMMMON also used the occasion to advocate for a shift from raw material extraction to value addition. To meet global standards, the Association called for structured training programs on export documentation, international mineral standards, trade financing, and branding. “Export readiness goes beyond extraction. It requires value addition, proper processing, standard packaging, market intelligence, and trade documentation expertise,” Dr. Mkpu’s message emphasized.
Addressing the perennial challenge of financing, the Association noted that the cluster model significantly improves bankability by aggregating production, reducing transaction risk, and creating verifiable data. This structure, it was explained, enables equipment leasing schemes, cooperative financing models, export credit guarantees, and blended finance participation, thereby unlocking much-needed investment for artisanal miners.
The expected outcomes of implementing the cluster model in Benue State were outlined as multifaceted. Economically, it promises increased non-oil export revenue, formal job creation, local industrial growth, and improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Socially, it will lead to improved income stability for miners, greater inclusion of youth and women, and a safer mining environment. Environmentally, it will ensure controlled extraction, a reduction in illegal mining activities, and effective land restoration initiatives.
In a strong call for partnership, ASMMMON proposed several actionable steps to the stakeholders present. The Association advocated for the establishment of a State-owned sustainable mining export cluster pilot programme; the creation of a joint ASMMMON-NEPC facilitation framework for ASM clusters; the establishment of a mineral export support desk in Makurdi; and the development of a Benue State solid minerals investment prospectus.
Concluding the address, Dr. Vincent Mkpu commended the NEPC for its leadership in aligning the sector with global best practices. He expressed optimism that with strong collaboration between the NEPC, the Benue State Government, federal regulatory agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and international off-takers, the success of export competitiveness for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Benue State is guaranteed. “ASMMMON pledges its full cooperation and partnership for the wider Nigerian economy,” the message concluded.
The event marked a significant step towards repositioning Benue State as a hub for responsible and export-ready mining activities in Nigeria.
